A grandmother, Karen Spragg, is facing trial alongside a 24-year-old woman, Julia Wandelt, who believes she is Madeleine McCann. During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, it was revealed that Spragg and Wandelt met online, where Spragg supported Wandelt’s claim of possibly being the missing girl who disappeared in Portugal in 2007 at the age of three.
In police statements read during the trial, Spragg admitted to driving Wandelt to the McCann family home. She mentioned picking up Wandelt from the airport, accommodating her in her Cardiff residence, and together they stayed at a hotel near the McCann’s residence before waiting outside the house. Spragg acknowledged confronting Gerry and Kate McCann, stating that Kate appeared upset while Gerry was dismissive and denied any relation to Wandelt.
Defending her actions, Spragg emphasized her trust in Wandelt’s claims, highlighting that Wandelt had provided substantial evidence to support her belief. Spragg expressed disappointment in the McCanns’ rejection of Wandelt and suggested a DNA test as a simple solution to resolve the situation. She maintained her support for Wandelt, describing her as a truthful individual who has faced adversity in her life.
In a separate incident, Wandelt is accused of stalking the McCann family by visiting their home in Leicestershire, sending various forms of communication to Kate and Gerry McCann, as well as their children. Spragg also faces a charge of stalking, with the alleged offenses occurring between June 2022 and February 2025. The trial is ongoing.